For the better part of 2018 Talbot Humane, the Talbot County Animal Control Board, business owners and private citizens of Talbot County have been working together to update the Talbot County Code as it applies to animals. This portion of the Talbot County Code has not been updated since 2006.

Over the past 12 years we have seen massive progress in the way we look at our pets, knowledge on what causes some behavior issues, and laws and ordinances protecting animals in many areas of the country including many counties right here in Maryland. We have also witnessed some egregious acts of cruelty and neglect in our own backyard. How can we forget the 300 cats hoarded in Caroline County a decade ago, the 300 Pomeranians in deplorable conditions in Wicomico county in 2016 or earlier this year not only the 100+ horses left to die in Quantico MD, but the kennel in Anne Arundel County where people trusted a facility to care for their pets, and many did not make it out alive?

Our office hears from our community in Talbot County and knows they want to see change. They want to see laws protecting animals mirror our values as a community. They cannot wrap their minds around a dog being out in frigid temperatures, or, an owner being allowed to have a dog live on a chain 24/7. In recent months multiple Maryland counties have adopted anti-tethering and/or extreme weather ordinances to protect their animals. It is time for Talbot County to do the same.

Specific areas being updated/added are as follows:

Extreme weather requirements for animals outdoors

Anti-tethering ordinance

Licensing of boarding, breeding, training, rescues facilities

Please review the proposed updates to the county code below. If you have questions, want to voice your support, or have concerns we ask that you contact our office at patty@talbothumane.org or the Talbot County Office of Law care of Mary O’Donnell at MODonnell@talbocountymd.gov

Tentatively these changes are to be presented to the Talbot County Council in February 2019. Please show your support for a more humane Talbot County in 2019.